Hands On With The Longines Master Annual Calendar (prices)

With generations of experience, Swiss watch manufacturer Longines enjoys an expertise steeped in tradition and performance. Since its inception, in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, in 1832, the brand has grown to become a top timekeeper for elegant sports championships around the world. A key collection that underscores its urban chic appeal is the Master series of watches, and this year, Longines unveiled a superb new rendition in the form of the Master Annual Calendar watch. Now, we go hands-on with this affordable top-quality watch.

The Master Collection from Longines was first launched in 2005. It represented a contemporary illustration of an exceptional timepiece from a longtime traditional Swiss watch brand. Each model in the collection was fitted with mechanical movements and special features indicative of the classic elegance of the brand. To this day, Longines continues to craft the Master collection of watches with top Swiss movements and strict attention to details and aesthetics. The newest annual calendar timepiece is no exception.

The Longines Master Annual Calendar houses a novel mechanical movement exclusive to the brand, the automatic L897 caliber, which can be viewed through the transparent case back. The mechanical self-winding caliber features 21 jewels and beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour. Equipped with a power reserve of 64 hours the elegant dial displays the annual calendar display at 3 o’clock. The annual calendar automatically changes the date, taking into account the varying lengths in individual months without any manual intervention until March 1, when it will have to be adjusted to account for the very short month of February. The Longines Master Collection is the first line to boast this small complication.

 

The Longines Master Annual Calendar is crafted in stainless steel, in a 40mm case and is available in four distinct styles. Two feature a silver barleycorn dial: one with 13 diamond indices and rhodium plated hands and finished with a stainless steel bracelet; one with 12 Arabic numerals and blue steel hands, complemented by a brown alligator strap. There is also a version with a black dial with 12 stamped Roman numeral indices and rhodium-plated hands. This is accented with a black alligator strap for a much more elegant appeal. The fourth version brings a bit more color to the forefront and has a more modern attraction thanks to the stunning sunray blue dial with 12 indices and rhodium-plated hands. it is finished with a color-coordinated blue alligator strap. The watches feature sapphire crystals and are water resistant to 30 meters. The Longines Master Annual Calendar is available in stores this fall, and is retailing for $2,425.